What Is An EMG? Do I Need It To Diagnose My Herniated Disc?

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Do I need an EMG for my herniated disc? Is an EMG necessary when treating a slipped cervical disk? The EMG is a test that maps out the function of the nerve as it goes from the neck down to the hand. It is helpful in determining the cause of arm pain, numbness, tingling or weakness. It can diagnose a herniated cervical disc, brachial plexus nerve injury, ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow or carpal tunnel syndrome. EMG is a test done with needles. Dr. Seth Neubardt, considered among the best of New York’s minimally invasive surgeons for cervical herniated disc treatment, states that the EMG is often not needed if the MRI identifies a large HNP or herniated disc explaining the arm symptoms.